New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham visited Maine yesterday to tout his goals to build more tourism, trade, transportation and energy opportunities between Maine and New Brunswick.
Graham, speaking at a news conference following his presentation to the Legislature, said New Brunswick hopes to become a major energy hub, selling its surplus energy all along the east coast, according to the Bangor Daily News. Access to those markets, however, is critical and Graham said Maine is a key player in the development of the province’s energy policies, the paper reported.
Gov. John Baldacci said his goal is to lower energy rates here. Maine is already considering pulling away from the New England power grid to possibly partner with Canada’s Atlantic provinces to generate and distribute power. Last year, Graham and Baldacci also agreed to try to increase electrical interconnections, the paper reported.
Graham also noted that New Brunswick and Maine need to improve their physical links. He pointed to a study underway of an east-west highway from Canada through Maine, which could boost commerce and tourism.